Article by Sis Huarong (translated by TMBS Translation Team)

On the early morning of 8 September 2024, students from The Mahaprajna Buddhist Society eagerly gathered at Marina South Pier. Old friends excitedly caught up with one another, eager to embark on their excursion to Kusu Island. Despite the large turnout of 200 students, amazingly none was late. All boarded the ferry on time and off we sailed for Kusu Island!

The trip to Kusu Island was not to pray for blessings, but, as Venerable Hou Zhong mentioned later in his Dharma discourse, it is to connect with nature, breathe fresh air, nurture our body and mind so as to adjust our perspectives. With the newly transformed self, we can then meaningfully embrace the rhythms of life and in pace with the times.

The Recreation Sub-Committee volunteers even visited Kusu Island three weeks prior to recce and thoughtfully prepared a “Kusu Island Exploration” activity plan. Through asking questions, finding specific locations on the island, and taking creative group photos, they encouraged interaction among the students to foster team spirit and collaboration. During the exploration, students seem to return to their younger school day times, joyfully running around the island searching for the designated spots. Upon finding them, they creatively posed for memorable group photos. Together, they completed the photo challenges one by one, all while enjoying the serenading sounds of nature, natural sunlight and fresh air. Their faces were full of joy.

After the island exploration, Venerable gave a Dharma discourse. He encouraged the students to spend more time in nature and do more exercises. The fast pace of modern life can cause heightened tension, shallow thinking, and abnormal psychological development. Everyone desires to relax and return to the nature. By staying close to nature, one can also develop a more detached view of worldly fame and fortune. Venerable emphasized again that propagating Buddhism requires wisdom and one should focus on core values such as the Four Noble Truths, Dependent Origination and morality. With a growing Bodhi mind, one’s faith becomes more steadfast. The Venerable’s teachings always resonates deeply, inspiring the students.

Afterwards, the host selected a few winning teams, awarded them small prizes, and took photos to commemorate the moment. However, for the students, it was the participation and experience that mattered most, not the awards. Soon it was lunchtime. Enjoying delicious vegetarian food together always make the food extra yummy. Even when a heavy rain shower followed, everyone remained cheerful.

Thanks to the careful planning of the volunteers and the active participation of all the students, the excursion concluded successfully. We are grateful to have each other as companions on this journey of practice!